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december 2021/january 2022
32 42
50 58
dwell home design contributors
16 MARKET 32 CLIFFHANGER RESOLVED 64 REMODELER’S ADVICE
Artisanal Charm Paying Attention to the Details
18 RECOGNITION
42 WELLNESS, ELEVATED By Wells Mason of Buiders FirstSource
AIA Austin and San Antonio Sponsored by Bes Builder
50 CHANNELING CHILDHOOD
22 DESIGN
Tablescapes: Festive Landscapes 58 CONCEPTUALLY ECLECTIC spotlights
26 ENTERTAINMENT 10 From The Editor
Lotería Love
65 Design
28 TRENDS
Home Resolutions for 2022 66 Advertiser Index
8 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022“Building Hill Country homes of distinct character and design that reflect the unique surroundings of Central Texas.” www. A g aveCu stom Ho m es .co m 5 12 -84 4 -03 18
From the editor
M
More and more there is a growing connection to
the natural world through architecture and design.
Whether it’s highlighting panoramic views, the addi-
tion of natural elements in design or the combination
of shelter and wide-open spaces, we look to nature as
a place for relaxation, healing. Simply viewing nature
produces a calming effect. In this issue, you’ll see
it’s impossible to ignore the beauty of our landscape,
even when indoors.
On our cover, the architects at A. Gruppo visually
expanded a small footprint with walls of glass and
physically with strategic cantilevering, and the com-
bination created transparent connections both inside
and outside the home from all levels. Jay Corder and
Jared Gossett were also challenged but fortunate
to build on a treelined lot, and the trees remain the
focus from every view. For Ariel Bleich, her task was
to design a home that evoked the tranquil feelings
her clients remembered from growing up in tropi-
cal locales. And there’s the House Beautiful Whole
Home Concept House, which eight designers from
across the country and one local builder, Agave Cus-
tom Homes, collaborated on. Unbeknownst to each
designer, their selections all had a common theme:
botanicals, textures and colors found in nature.
In the spirit of new beginnings, I hope everyone
enjoys personal growth, good health, happiness and
prosperity in the 2022. Happy New Year!
On The Cover:
From every room on every floor, A. Gruppo
Architecture|Design|Build created expanses of glass, cantilevered
Trisha Doucette balconies and glass flooring to serve as connections to the
Editor outside. Page 32. Photography by Charles Davis Smith
10 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022Austin-San Antonio
www.homedesigndecormag.com
DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022 VOL. 17 | NO. 1
Publisher
Louis Doucette
Editor
Trisha Doucette
Contributing Editor
DESIGN
Wells Mason, Builders FirstSource
Writers
Claudia Alarcón, Drew Henry, Kimberly A. Suta, Susan Yerkes
INSPIRATION
Photography
Chase Daniel, Kelley Frost, Stephen Karlisch, Tracey Mauer,
Avery Nicole Photography, Charles Davis Smith
Architectural Publicist
Diane Purcell – Dianepurcell.com
For more inspiring architecture
Advertising Sales
Sandy Weatherford, Gerry Lair, Madeleine Justice and interiors with the most current design
Business Manager and product trends from
Vicki Schroder
Central Texas’ talented architects, builders,
Design and Production
Tim Shaw – The Shaw Creative – theshawcreative.com designers and showrooms,
Phone visit HomeDesignDecorMag.com.
512.385.4663, Austin - 210.410.0014, San Antonio
Address
10036 Saxet Drive / Boerne, Texas 78006
President
Michael Mayer
Maps Media, LLC
Email: louisd@homedesigndecormag.com
Website: www.homedesigndecormag.com
Home Design & Decor Magazine Austin-San Antonio is published by Big City Publications,
LLC. Advertising rates available upon request. All rights reserved by copyright. No part of
this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent
from publisher. Every effort is made to assure accuracy of the information contained herein.
However, the publisher cannot guarantee such accuracy. Advertising is subject to errors,
omissions and or other changes without notice. Mention of any product or service does not
constitute endorsement from Home Design & Decor Magazine. The information contained in
this publication is deemed reliable from third party sources, but not guaranteed. Home Design
& Decor Magazine does not act as an agent for any of the advertisers in this publication. It is
recommended that you choose a qualified remodeling, home furnishings or home improvement
firm based on your own selection criteria. Home Design & Decor Magazine, does not act as an
agent for any of the realtors or builders in this publication. It is recommended that you choose
a qualified realtor to assist you in your new home purchase.
Home Design & Decor Magazine will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that is a
violation of the Fair Housing Act. All real estate advertising in Home Design & Decor Magazine, is
subject to the Fair Housing Act that states “We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for
the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support
an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining
housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.”
© Copyright 2022 by Home Design & Decor Magazine. All Rights Reserved.dwell
The people, places and things that elevate your home and living.
BELLA VILLA DESIGN STUDIO. PHOTO BY TEXAS HILL COUNTRY PHOTOGRAPHY
market recognition design
Artisanal Charm AIA Austin and San Antonio Tablescapes: Festive Landscapes
16 18 22
entertainment trends
Lotería Love Home Resolutions For 2022
26 28
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 | HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO 15market
Artisanal
CHARM Courtesy of The Tile Shop
THE SAYING “WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN”
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DESIGN INDUSTRY. NOW MORE THAN EVER,
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OUT WAYS TO BRING A SENSE OF CHARACTER
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THE SAME REASON RECLAIMED WOOD,
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Thanks to recent advancements in tile
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RICH COLOR VARIATION
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16 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022Featured Advertiser Editorial
handmade option will often showcase its look collections, Annie Selke Artisanal, touch of glamour is the pearlescent finish
layers of richness with a number of vary- features a variety of unique hues that allow displayed in the Mallorca tiles — glistening
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tile. With this subtle and one-of-a-kind The Tile Shop also carries other shapes piece its own unique look and feel. With
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With 143 showrooms across the country,
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THE TILE SHOP
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With a rainbow of color options from As with any tile, the finish makes all Austin – South: 5033 Hwy 290 W
soft and subtle to bright and bold, The Tile the difference when it comes to overall ap- Service Rd | 512-420-4146
Shop’s handmade and handmade-look tiles pearance. For a more organic look and feel, Austin Gateway: 9503 Research Blvd |
can easily be incorporated into almost any a matte finish — like that featured in the 512-420-4152
design style. Warm- and cool-toned whites, Annie Selke Farmhouse Hex tiles — is the Round Rock: 2800 S Interstate 35 |
greys and tans create the perfect neutral perfect option. To get a slightly smoother 737-209-5204
backdrop for a space, while vibrant colors and shinier style, a gloss finish will reflect San Antonio – East: 12235 San
like rich sage greens, ocean blues and bold light beautifully while highlighting the Pedro Ave | 210-998-5212
lavenders create a more striking focal point. tile’s unique surface texture, as seen in the San Antonio – West: 5219 De
One of the company’s largest handmade- Splendours collection. Offering a striking Zavala Rd | 210-201-8891
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 | HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO 17recognition
AUSTIN AND
SAN ANTONIO
EACH YEAR, THE AIA AUSTIN AND SAN ANTONIO
CHAPTERS INDIVIDUALLY RECOGNIZE
ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS FOR DESIGN EXCELLENCE
AND PROFESSIONALS FOR COMMUNITY Mell Lawrence Architects
LEADERSHIP AND ACHIEVEMENT.
Project Name: Jewell Box Residence
Photo by Nathan Kirkman
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2021 AWARD RECIPIENTS.
AIA AUSTIN
2021 DESIGN & HONOR AWARDS
DESIGN AWARDS
DESIGN AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
Lake|Flato Architects
Project Name: Hotel Magdalena
Photo by Casey Dunn
Michael Hsu Office of Architecture
Project Name: Tiny Victories DESIGN AWARDS OF MERIT
Photo by Leonid Furmansky
MAGIC architecture Cuppett Kilpatrick Architects
Project Name: Sip Pho Project Name: Camp Frio
Photo by Chase Daniel Photo by Tobin Davies
18 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022McKinney York Architects Page Murray Legge Architecture
Project Name: Student Activity Center Project Name: Dell Medical School Project Name: Temporary Tiger
Courtyard Renovation Health Learning Building Photo by Leonid Furmansky
Photo by Thomas McConnell Photo by Albert Vecerka/ESTO
alterstudio architecture Murray Legge Architecture McKinney York Architects
Project Name: Pemberton Residence Project Name: David Street Residence Project Name: Montopolis
Photo by Casey Dunn Photo by Leonid Furmansky Photo by Dror Baldinger
HONOR AWARDS
Bill Mullane, AIA
Alan Yamato Taniguchi, FAIA,
Award for Public Architecture
Jointly presented with the Austin
Foundation for Architecture
Kendall Claus, Assoc. AIA
Lake|Flato Architects alterstudio architecture and Associate Member of the Year Award
Project Name: The New Witte Museum Mell Lawrence Architects
Photo by Albert Vecerka Project Name: West Campus Residence Sophia Razzaque, AIA
Photo by Casey Dunn Emerging Professional
Achievement Award
DESIGN AWARD
COMMENDATION Chestnut Neighborhood
Revitalization Corporation
Community Vision Award
Studio8
Firm Achievement Award
Dick Clark + Associates AIA Austin Women in
Project Name: Eastside Design Studio Jobe Corral Architects Architecture Committee
Photo by Paul Bardagjy Project Name: The Solarium John V. Nyfeler, FAIA,
Photo by Tobin Davies Community Service Award
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 | HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO 19AIA SAN ANTONIO MERIT AWARDS
2021 PEOPLE + PLACE AWARDS
In addition to the design and
achievement categories, three firms were recognized for
public projects that have impacted the City of San Antonio:
the Twenty-Five Year Distinguished Building Award for
architecture of significant cultural importance;
the Mayor’s Choice Award for a publicly funded building;
and a Community Impact Award for attention to social
equity in publicly funded projects.
PLACE AWARDS
Cotton Estes Architect
HONOR AWARDS Project Name: Pine House
Photo by Dror Baldinger
Lake|Flato Architects Lake|Flato Architects
Project Name: Verde Creek Ranch Project Name: Ishawooa Mesa Ranch
Photo by Casey Dunn Photo by Joe Fletcher
Lake|Flato Architects Lake|Flato Architects + Cooper Carey
Project Name: Courtyard House Project Name: USF Biomedical Sciences & Engineering
Photo by Casey Dunn Photo by Brad Feinknopf
20 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022CITATION AWARDS
TWENTY-FIVE YEAR AWARD
John Grable Architects Paseo Del Alamo designed by Boone Powell,
Project Name: Ghost Hanger FAIA Emeritus of Ford Powell & Carson. This public
Photo by John Grable Architects concourse and water garden was built in 1983, to link
the San Antonio River to Alamo Plaza.
Photo courtesy of AIA San Antonio
MAYOR’S CHOICE AWARD
San Antonio City Hall Renovation led by Ford Powell
Lake|Flato Architects & Carson and the East Entry Plaza designed by
Project Name: Hotel Magdalena Beaty Palmer Architects.
Photo by Casey Dunn Photo by Siggi Ragnar
Beaty Palmer Architects COMMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Project Name: San Antonio City Hall Children’s Shelter Harvey E. Najim Hope Center 2
East Entry Plaza designed by SYNCRO Architecture Studio.
Photo by Siggi Ragnar Photo by Dror Baldinger
PEOPLE AWARDS
Aline Yoldi, AIA with B & A Architects Terry Tucker with Acme Brick Robert G. Hanley, AIA
Rising Star Award Allied Member of the Year Legacy Award
Gordon Hartman Community Partner Award
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 | HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO 21design
TABLESCAPES:
Festive Landscapes for
Your Next Party
By Kimberly Suta | Photography courtesy of Kelley Frost
WHETHER YOU’RE PLANNING A DINNER PARTY,
A WEDDING RECEPTION, FOURTH OF JULY BASH
OR ANY HOLIDAY EVENT, KELLEY FROST WITH
FROSTED HOME OFFERS UP SOME EXCLUSIVE
TIPS AND TRICKS ON HOW TO TAKE YOUR PARTY
TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH CURATED TABLESCAPES
THAT ARE GUARANTEED TO IMPRESS AND
DELIGHT ANY GUEST.
Frost recently set up a display at the beautiful Estancia del Norte THANKSGIVING TABLESCAPE
Hotel with stunning holiday-themed tablescapes for Thanksgiving, Here, Frost incorporated the idea of pheasants and
Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s that left us all gobsmacked feathers with fall colors, velvet pumpkins, gratitude nap-
and inspired, wondering why we haven’t done this before. kins, which can be used as conversation starters, ribbon
“A tablescape is what sets the tone in the environment for tags she uses as place cards and an animal hide, which
entertaining,” says Frost. “It should reflect the theme of whatever she recommends for family gatherings where you think
the party or gathering is centered on. It should invite them in, spills might be involved. “It’s a resilient table covering. I
make them feel comfortable, relaxed and ready to enjoy whatever love to use hides on fall tables,” she says.
the event is.” She recommends, in general, layering different
According to Frost, tablescapes are important regardless of the textures and colors with a mix of heirloom pieces
type of event. “It’s an expression of creativity. It’s part of the joy of you already own, along with new, fun additions,
setting the stage for an event, whether it’s an intimate dinner party such as unique fabrics and art pieces you can find at
or a bridal shower. To me, it’s the duty as a host to set a really nice Frosted Home. She also likes to include party favors
table so people can know you thought of them. It’s a hospitality, it’s on the tables, a nice touch to make your guests feel
sharing love,” she adds. extra special.
22 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022HANUKKAH TABLESCAPE
For her Hanukkah Tablescape, Frost wanted it to reflect
the Tree of Life theme, as it’s such a central part of Jew-
ish traditions. Although it was a challenge, she was able
to find a fabulous fabric with a blue and white tree motif
from Thibaut. William at Uptown Flowers took the tree she
brought in and created three arrangements at the base of the
tree that hooked into the bottom.
“My idea was right at dinnertime, to pull the tree off and
have the arrangements on the table as lower arrangements.
You can also use tall things that have thin legs on the bottom.
Sometimes you just want a look for cocktail hour and then
you can pull it off when you get seated so everyone can see
each other across the table,” Frost shares.
Frost emphasizes you shouldn’t be afraid to dream big, lit-
erally, but think of ways you can adapt once dinner is served.
That’s part of the fun of the creative challenge.
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 | HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO 23CHRISTMAS TABLESCAPE
This tablescape represented a traditional Christmas with
a Southern vibe, with little boxwood topiaries that would be
removed right before dinner. She incorporated a silver deer
sculpture into the centerpiece, along with pomegranates,
pears and lots of greenery. Frost encourages you to think out-
side the box when designing arrangements yourself or with
your preferred florist. “You don’t have to just put flowers in
an arrangement. Using fruit is a fun element to add to any
arrangement to enhance the theme.”
Here, she altered textures of wood, China and silver and
used a punch bowl to hold the floral. This, again, is an origi-
nal way to incorporate a family heirloom piece. “It was a kind
of nod to tradition. My thought was every Southern hostess
would have a punch bowl. That’s the kind of repurposing I
enjoy doing,” she says.
24 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022NEW YEAR’S TABLESCAPE
For her New Year’s tablescape, Frost decided to go with a For upcoming Valentine’s Day, she suggests using numbers
European-influenced Chinese New Year theme as opposed to instead of place cards at the table. When guests arrive, they
a traditional one with silver and champagne. With this year draw a number and that’s where they will sit, so the arrange-
being the year of the tiger, she incorporated that influence by ment is random. Another number sits under the plate, which
using a deep red tiger-striped linen, Chinese ginger jars and will direct guests to a new chair for dessert. “Play musical chairs
Chinese lanterns. at the tablescape. I think it all goes together,” Frost laughs.
“You can play high to low. I used a pretty beaded high-end If you’re starting to feel inspired and excited about design-
ribbon we have at the store and paired it with lanterns from ing a tablescape for your own event, but still aren’t quite sure
Hobby Lobby®,” she explains. The style of meal service also where to begin, don’t hesitate to visit Kelley Frost at Frosted
factors in. “This would be more of a buffet table, the way I Home. She will be happy to make some recommendations or
had it set up.” advise as a consultant.
Her and her florist wanted height that would match the “We also have a lot of entertaining books at the store where
lanterns, so they found some bamboo to pair with the lus- you can glean ideas from for any time of the year. There’s a
cious red roses. Next, she incorporated some chinoiserie fig- lot that happens seasonally. That’s a great starting point. Ask
ures that she had already collected. “It’s great to incorporate yourself what’s in season,” she concludes. From there, as
things you have on hand as well as things that bring in a new Frost would suggest, the sky’s the limit! u
fresh flavor,” she advises.
Frost jokes that she may be serving PF Chang’s at a dinner FROSTED HOME
like this, but it’s doubtful anyone would mind. 210-826-1993 | www.FrostedHomeStyle.com
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 | HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO 25entertainment
Lotería
LOVE
By Susan Yerkes | Photography by Tracey Maurer
IN RECENT YEARS, THE BRIGHTLY COLORED,
STYLIZED SYMBOLS OF THE GAME —
THE HAND, THE HEART, THE MERMAID AND
DOZENS MORE — HAVE BEEN USED ON
EVERYTHING FROM T-SHIRTS AND TATTOOS
TO THROW PILLOWS AND DINNER PLATES.
Lotería is hot. There’s a Millennial Lotería, with Las “The first thing to go was advertising during the pandemic,
Bitcoins and El Manbun; a Covid-inspired Lotería with so I had to cancel a lot of jobs,” Maurer said. “I decided to
hand sanitizer and toilet paper; even a Google-Doodle ver- take some pictures and create art. My husband and my
sion played online, which includes El Buscador (the search children are Hispanic, so I’m familiar with the culture, and
engine) and El Emoji. Netflix is producing a family adventure Lotería just stuck in my mind. I decided to create Lotería-
“Lotería” movie, starring Eugenio Derbez. Now, San Antonio styled art with San Antonio’s favorite Mexican foods.”
food photographer Tracey Maurer has taken Lotería into the Maurer started with creating large canvas works
kitchen, with a reimagined game featuring mouth-watering featuring a few iconic images of food in the style of Lotería
new images based on favorite Mexican foods. cards, using complex photo-layering techniques to create
26 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022the appearance of Lotería’s classic illustrations. But she a successful bottling and canning business, and a printing
didn’t stop there. press for labels in Mexico. Tomato ketchup was his most
“As I was moving through the project, I decided to go all popular product and he printed up a 54-card deck that
the way and do the whole game — all 54 images,” she said. included La Botella — using a bottle of his ketchup, with the
As she worked, she also began to learn more about Lotería. label clearly visible, on the card. It was a clever early form
“I had only seen the version we play in San Antonio, but the of product placement. He mass-produced the games, even
more I researched, the more I found out,” she said. including smaller versions that were put in military ration
Maurer found that the earliest Lotería appeared in the kits for Mexican soldiers, who took the games home to
1500s in Italy as a game of chance called Tambola. There their families. The popular 54-figure game is still known as
were 90 figures in the game, most drawn from the popular Lotería Don Clemente.
tarot cards. The caller drew wooden balls or pegs with Maurer’s images range from El Café and El Tomate to
numbers that corresponded to the numbered figures on Patas de Pollo (chicken feet – a traditional delicacy). Menudo,
players’ boards. The game had spread throughout Europe marranitos (little pig cookies) and calaveras (skull-shaped
by the 1700s, and Spanish aristocrats brought it with them sugar cookies) are included. Each card is a tasty work of
to Mexico where it gradually spread through cities and art. Creating the images was an adventure in itself. Maurer
towns, often at village fairs. Today, there are multiple scoured farmers markets, panaderias, taquerias, paleterias
versions found in Spain, England, Germany and Central and local mercados for perfect produce and products. Some
and South America. she created in her own kitchen, like the chicken feet — a
“They are all games of chance, played like Bingo,” Maurer favorite delicacy of her mother-in-law’s — that she spiced
said. “In Bingo, you get a letter and a number. In Lotería, and baked to perfection.
you might have a deck of cards instead of pegs or balls, and “This, along with pig’s feet, was a new concept for me, and
you try to match images instead of numbers. In a traditional one that I had never considered trying,” she confessed.
game, you have 16 images on the tablas and you try to get Loteria de Comida™ combines the fun and colorful culture
four in a row to win, like Bingo.” of the game with irresistible eye candy for foodies. The game
Maurer continues, “As I did more research, I discovered comes with a 54-card deck, 10 colorful tablas and poems and
the poems. In the original traditional game, I found there game directions in Spanish and English. It’s available online,
were poems or dichos, little sayings, with each of the cards, where you will also find postcards and canvas prints of the
and I decided to include little poems with each of the im- colorful icons, and at Mockingbird Handprints in Blue Star
ages in my deck. My sister and I would write them late and at the Estancia del Norte Hotel’s Regalo Boutique, both
at night, laughing our heads off trying to find rhymes for in San Antonio. u
words like menudo.”
The most familiar and widely played version was created LOTERÍA DE COMIDA
in 1887 by Clemente Jacques, a French businessman with 210-325-4550 | www.LoteriadeComida.com
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 | HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO 27trends
HOME
RESOLUTIONS
FOR 2022
BELLA VILLA DESIGN STUDIO,
PHOTO BY MICHAEL HUNTER
This year, in addition to addressing the usual small home brighten a space while also reducing stress and providing other
repairs like servicing appliances and cleaning gutters, why beneficial sensory experiences. www.AdrianGalvan.com
not make home resolutions that impact your daily enjoyment
even more? In the spirit of new beginnings, we’ve compiled UPDATE YOUR LIGHTING
a list of home improvements that contribute to an efficient,
clean and luxurious lifestyle year-round.
REFRESH WITH ACCESSORIES
Though taking down
holiday decorations can leave
a home feeling sparse, it
offers a great opportunity to
refresh the interior of your
home. Bella Villa Design Hand-blown glass light-
Studio suggests updating ing fixtures from Wimber-
your living areas with art ley Glassworks combine
and accessories or rearrang- function and the beauty
ing those that you already of one-of-a-kind pieces
have. Pull out vases, books, of sculptural art. Update
decorative objects and dishes kitchen pendant lighting
to style tables and open shelving with small groupings of ob- with hand-forged fixtures
jects to create pleasing vignettes. Use art as a focal point, and combined with hand-blown glass or simply replace only the
always incorporate fresh florals and plants, either real or faux, glass shades with custom art glass that is completely unique
to bring color and life to each room. www.BellaVillaDS.com to you. www.WGW.com
GO GREEN PERSONALIZE YOUR PRIVATE SPACE
Designology sees people’s
preferences for including
natural materials in their homes
flourishing throughout 2022
and beyond. Termed biophilia,
which translates to “love of life,”
the addition of natural elements It’s always a pleasure when traveling to be pampered in lux-
brought indoors, like moss, ury hotel bathrooms, and recreating that experience at home
wood, river stones and botani- is one of the most requested improvements from Boerne
cals, provides a calming effect Kitchen & Baths’ clients. Deep soaking tubs, twin sinks, mar-
and positively impacts one’s wellbeing. Decorative wall plaques ble surrounds, heated towel racks to warm bath sheets and
and tabletop accessories of botanicals are a beautiful way to large showers with both rain and detachable shower heads
28 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022all contribute to a spa-like atmosphere. Add dramatic lighting Closet. Using the gentle power of steam, this chemical-free
and moody décor for a perfectly calming yet elevated space. method is great for everyday apparel and hard to wash items
www.BoerneKitchensandBaths.HouzzSite.com like coats and bedding. Another daily luxury is having chilled
and filtered water at the touch of a button with the Grohe
EMBRACE ORDER BEAUTIFULLY Blue Chilled and Sparkling 2.0 Faucet. If you prefer bubbles,
The Container Store’s Avera simply select the sparkling option. Either way, you will turn
Premium Closets put built-in your home into a bottle-free zone. www.Ferguson.com
luxury within reach, and it’s
the little things that really do INVEST IN OUTDOOR LIVING
a make a difference. From in- Outdoor furniture spends
novative technology like warm its life exposed to the harsh
white, dimmable LED lighting, sun and rain. The designers at
soft-close drawers that open Summer Classics know that
with a touch and concealed steel framework that is color- high-quality outdoor furni-
matched to your choice of woodgrain finishes, to customized ture on the same level as your
accessory bins, angled shoe storage and elegant glass shelv- interiors will create a more enjoyable outdoor living space and
ing, it’s the details that set Avera apart. Carefully considered beautifully withstand the elements for years to come, making it
and meticulously designed, each and every feature delivers a a responsible investment. Their Montauk collection is construct-
truly custom closet. www.ContainerStore.com ed from N-duraTM resin wicker and is guaranteed to experience
no significant color change for five years. Durable natural teak
EAT HEALTHIER feet complement the raffia finish, and water-resistant cushions
add the ultimate relaxing touch. www.SummerClassics.com
PREP YOUR DECK
Spring cleaning doesn’t
have to take up an entire
weekend. TimberTown
As a top resolution for many people, eating healthier just offers tips for streamlining
got easier with the right appliances from Expressions Home the process so your outdoor
Gallery. The new JennAir® Column Refrigeration has three space is ready when the
temperature zones to accommodate different food groups and weather warms up. www.TimberTown.com
keep them fresher longer. There are many customizable con- 1. REMOVE EVERYTHING. Trying to clean around furni-
figurations and the daring obsidian interior illuminated by light ture is inefficient, and having a cleared space allows you to
adds a bespoke touch. To preserve nutrients during the cooking complete upgrades and repairs.
process, the Miele® Steam Oven is designed to cook a variety 2. WASH YOUR DECK. Use a simple tool like a long-han-
of foods simultaneously, such as salmon and potatoes, without dled cleaning brush with a squeegee that can remove dirt and
transferring flavors between each. It also makes a wonderful choose the right cleaning products for your deck material —
homemade loaf of bread! www.ExpressionsHomeGallery.com Ipe wood can be cleaned with a pressure washer and wood
cleaner to restore it to its original coloring.
MAKE ECO-FRIENDLY CHOICES 3. RE-STAIN YOUR DECK. Most deck corrosion is caused
by sunlight and moisture. A transparent protective stain can
showcase the natural colors of wood; opaque stains cover
materials completely for full protection.
4. CLEAN FURNITURE. Before lugging furniture back,
take a moment to wipe down tables and chairs. Cushions can
be cleaned with a solution of ¼ cup laundry detergent mixed
RIGHT: PHOTO COURTESY OF LG AT FERGUSON BATH, KITCHEN & LIGHTING GALLERY,
LEFT: PHOTO COURTESY OF GROHE AT FERGUSON BATH, KITCHEN & LIGHTING GALLERY with a gallon of water.
5. SCRUB YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR. Your house will
Ferguson’s Ultrafunctional line of products are designed to look positively dingy in comparison to a sparkling clean deck.
elevate and simplify your life. Refresh, deodorize and sanitize Take the time to wash the siding with a house cleaner and
your clothing with the LG WashTower™ Single-Unit Vertical pressure washer, hose off window screens and wipe down
Laundry Solution paired with the LG Studio Styler Steam windows with cleaner and newspaper. u
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 | HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO 29AWARD-WINNING
INTERIOR DESIGN
custom homes • condos
remodels • commercial
Stephanie Villavicencio 512.443.3200
Texas Registered Interior Designer www.bellavillads.com
to bi n sm i t h arc h i te c t. co mHOME DESIGN
HOUSE BEAUTIFUL WHOLE HOME CONCEPT HOUSE.
PHOTO BY STEPHEN KARLISCH
Cliffhanger Resolved Wellness, Elevated
32 42
Channeling Childhood Conceptually Eclectic
50 58
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 | HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO 31CLIFFHANGER
RESOLVED
A 25-FOOT DROP WASN’T ENOUGH TO SHY
A.GRUPPO ARCHITECTS AWAY FROM
A STUNNING PROPERTY TEETERING
ON THE EDGE OF A RAVINE.
THE SOLUTION WAS OBVIOUS —
CANTILEVER THE HOME OFF THE CLIFF.
By Drew Henry | Photography by Charles Davis Smith
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 | HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO 3334 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 | HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO 35
36 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022
T
THE URBAN RESERVE NEIGHBORHOOD IN DALLAS,
Texas, features rows of expertly crafted modern homes
overlooking stunning tree canopy views. While most of these
houses sit on flat lots, one site posed a unique design chal-
lenge that A.Gruppo architects couldn’t resist. “Our Van-
guard House project sits on a very distinct lot in the neigh-
borhood,” explains principal architect Thad Reeves, AIA.
“Most homes here have long and skinny lots, with the short
view facing the street. This lot is rotated the other way, with
the long view facing the street. Plus, it has a 25-foot drop off
the back of the property into a ravine.”
While the lot is over 5,000 square feet, less than 30% of
the land was feasible to build on, posing a challenge that
would intimidate most developers. However, the A.Gruppo
team wanted to see this cliffhanger play out. Andrew
cept to construction. This level of control allows the team
to execute complicated builds (like those perched on the
edge of a cliff) with precise detail.
Utilizing the small footprint of the lot while maximizing
the treetop views became a puzzle for the team. “We wanted
to preserve the tree canopy and keep the home transpar-
ent and light,” says Reeves. “However, we were also limited
to building on the flat portion of the lot.” The solution was
to create a cantilevered design, suspending portions of the
home over the edge of the cliff. “The ground floor footprint is
only around 900 square feet. To make room for the parking
pad, kitchen, living room, dining room and powder bath,
we cantilevered the stairs and the deck off the back of the
home,” he explains.
While taking the home into the treeline was a practical
Nance and Thad Reeves founded A.Gruppo in 2005 with choice, it also sparked an idea for breathtaking aesthetics.
offices in Dallas and San Marcos. As a design and build “It would have been impossible to build this home without
firm specializing in modern builds, the team maintains connecting it back to the property,” says Reeves. “The unique
sole control of the entire home-building process from con- positioning in the treeline provides the perfect opportunity to
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 | HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO 3738 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022
add natural connections and honor the landscape.” To tie the
home back to nature, the A.Gruppo team designed expanses
of glass positioned to make you feel like you’re in a tree-
house. “The use of glass in the home is organized to reflect
how you move through the property, composing views of the
trees along the way,” adds Reeves.
Upon entering the home, visitors are greeted with a
double-height entry drenched in sunlight from a two-story
glass pane window. Suspended above is a small glass perch
for taking in the view. “Other homes with double-height
spaces like these typically have a balcony of sorts that allows
you to look down into the space,” says Reeves. “We wanted
to take people into that space, occupying the full volume and
providing access to some of the best views in the home.” The
glass floor detail of the perch can also be seen in the master
bedroom and a hallway, tying together an open and airy feel.
“The glass floors are made with one-inch-thick laminated
tempered glass and are supported with custom steel frames
designed to carry the load,” he explains. So, while this home
feels like it is dramatically floating at times, it has a rein-
forced structure firmly anchored into the site.
In the living room, glass continues to serve as a connection
to the outside. The open-concept living space features a wall
of panoramic glass sliding doors that vanish when opened,
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 | HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO 39suite, laundry, small office, two
bedrooms and a Jack and Jill bath-
room suite. Reeves says, “While
this home is very modern, we also
wanted it to feel warm. Instead of
finishing all the walls in white, we
opted for bold colors that highlight
the architectural features and make
the structure a form of art.” Vivid
blues, warm pinks and sunny yel-
lows give the home character and
vibrance. The team also used verti-
cal grain Douglas fir with a clear
lacquer finish to add even more
warmth throughout the modern
home. “The tones of the cabinets,
doors and trim work will change
over time, becoming browner and
seamlessly connecting the indoor living space to the out- reflecting the changing landscape outside,” adds Reeves.
doors. “Because of the landscape of the lot,” says Reeves, “we While this modern treehouse may look precarious at first
couldn’t create a backyard space. Our solution was to install glance, it is meticulously and thoughtfully anchored into the
a sliding screen that essentially transforms the living room landscape — making for a happy cliffhanger ending. u
into a massive screened porch.”
The cantilevered staircase is bathed in a calming blue that A.GRUPPO ARCHITECTURE | DESIGN | BUILD
references the sky framed above the trees by the full height, Dallas: 214-316-6806 | San Marcos: 512-557-2140
glazed wall. The upstairs contains the primary bedroom www.AGruppo.com
40 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022WELLNESS,
ELEVATED
DESIGNED TO CONNECT TO THE TREE-LINED LOT,
THIS STATELY SUNDRENCHED PROPERTY OFFERS
FIRST-CLASS AMENITIES, INCLUDING
A PRIVATE GYM AND WINE CELLAR.
By Drew Henry | Photography by Chase Daniel
42 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022A
A HOME IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A BUILDING
where we live and sleep. As many of us have discovered, a
home is a retreat where we can escape the outside world
and reconnect with our minds, bodies and souls. That’s
why developer Jared Gossett, CFA, and architect Jay
Corder, AIA, set out to design a home centered on wellness.
Building a house with resort-style amenities such as a
private gym and wine cellar sounds like a feat in and of
itself. But, the most challenging aspect of this expansive
three-level build was connecting it to the landscape and
creating a Zen treehouse feel.
Gossett is the president of Gossett and Company, LLC, a
44 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
home builder and development firm crafting some of Austin’s
top residential properties. “Since this was a spec home for
us,” says Gossett, “we took on the role of developers and
builders for this project.” The Gossett team’s first step was
to select the perfect piece of property. “We came across this
amazing site in Tarrytown,” he continues. “I immediately fell
in love with the property because it feels like a forested re-
treat.” However, while the site is beautiful, it posed immedi-
ate challenges for construction. The property features a steep
slope and dozens of old-growth trees protected by Austin
city building codes. Securing permits alone set the project
behind by six months. “We knew the trees would pose design
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022challenges, but we also wanted to capitalize on the amazing
views,” says Gossett. “That’s why we decided to partner with
Jay Corder on the design plan.”
Corder is the owner and principal architect of Jay Corder
Architect. As a firm rooted in the design principles of the
Modernist movement, Corder’s team is known for crafting
streamlined builds intrinsically tied to nature. “This was our
first time working with Jay,” says Gossett, “but we knew he
could marry our vision of preserving the oaks while open-
ing the home to the outdoors. We wanted a treehouse feel to
the space, and Jay’s team did a great job of pulling that off.”
With a site this challenging, having an architectural team
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 | HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO 45experienced in working with the land was the key to success.
Corder explains, “For all of our projects, we do three things.
First, we take time to understand the site and turn its chal-
lenges into assets. Second, we look for opportunities to create
indoor-outdoor connections. Third, we tour the neighborhood
and take cues from existing properties. In older neighbor-
hoods like Tarrytown, you need to prepare to be flexible and
roll with the unexpected.”
Corder and his team designed the home in the modern
transitional style, paring down traditional design elements,
embracing open-concept living and highlighting the forms
46 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022and materials used. “For this home,” says Corder, “our team
was incremental in choosing an exterior palette, designing
the floor plan and connecting the interior to the outdoors. Be-
ing able to create a solution that layers in all of these themes
with synergy is a testament to the project’s success.” The
home’s exterior features commercial aluminum bronze win-
dows, a Sierra Pacific door package, LaHabra smooth finish
stucco and Mexican Artisan brick. “We chose neutral finishes
for the exterior to complement the natural surrounds of the
property and provide a blank slate for the homeowner to
personalize their retreat,” adds Corder.
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 | HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO 4748 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022
Since the home wraps around the trees, no room is left with-
out a view. “To work around the landscape, we had to stretch
out the volumes of the home, effectively making it one room
deep,” explains Corder. “This creates a nice effect because
you get daylight and views on all sides.”
You can’t help but feel rejuvenated when light spills into
every room of the home as windows frame the green land-
scape outside. “Part of our company ethos is always to add
a wellness component to our builds,” says Gossett. “Natural
light makes us happier and healthier, and it is one of my
favorite features and amenities of this home.” The wellness
amenities don’t stop at natural light. This spacious home in-
cludes a state-of-the-art home office, a private gym, Neolith
non-porous and antimicrobial quartz counters, a butler’s
pantry, a wine cellar and a lap pool, to name a few. “A home
this size lends itself to vacation-style amenities like these,”
adds Corder. “However, the natural connections are what
give it the Zen feel.”
This home also includes some hidden amenities that sig-
nificantly impact one’s health and wellbeing. A home water
filtration system cleans the city supply, creating better qual-
ity water for drinking, bathing and laundry. The house is also
designed to scrub the air, venting dust and pollutants outside
the home with six-inch thick MERV-rated filters. A Lennox
two-stage HVAC removes twice as much moisture from the
air as other units, preventing mold and improving air quality.
Corder and his team designed the home with a blank slate
for the interior, ready for Gossett and his team to make finish-
ing selections. “Our design team picked out a European White
Oak that runs throughout the home. It’s a natural finish that
complements the elements outside,” says Gossett. “For the
kitchen, we went with a combination of matching white oak
and painted cabinets for a unified approach. Personally, I love
the primary bathroom’s shower, which features a walkthrough
design as well as rain, overhead and body jets.” While Corder
Corder and his team focused on form and light to showcase and Gossett started the design process for this spec home, it
the materials used and relate the home back to the site. “We sold for a record price during construction. “The homebuy-
took an elemental approach. You can see traditional forms ers came in with their interior designer, Ellen Godfrey, to
used in the house, but we brought them back to basics. For complete lighting selections, finishing details and decor,” says
example, the traditional roofline is modernized with a short Gossett. “This home became a communal effort, and the final
overhang, creating a cleaner look and amplifying the modern result is just stunning. We couldn’t be happier.”
edge. This effect allows the materials to speak for them- The home set a new standard for luxury spec homes in
selves,” he says. Austin. “I am proud to design something that people see the
While the exterior finishes are beautiful, it’s the home’s value in,” concludes Corder. “It means we had a good plan
transparency that sparks curiosity and draws visitors in. and were able to optimize the home to be well suited to a new
“One of the most striking features of the home is the floor-to- family. That’s really the true measure of success.” u
ceiling glass panels accentuating the staircase,” says Corder.
A bank of two-story-tall glass windows at the front and back JAY CORDER ARCHITECT
of the home flood the staircase and open concept living space 512-243-8507 | www.JayCorder.com
with light. “This entry sequence was one of my favorites to
design. While you enter the home, you never really depart GOSSETT & CO
from the outdoors, and the trees remain the focus,” he adds. 512-842-9904 | www.GossettCo.com
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 | HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO 49CH A NNELI NG
CHILDHOOD
A COUPLE REIMAGINES THEIR AUSTIN HOME
WITH MEMORIES FROM FAVORITE DESTINATIONS
AND GENERAL FEEL-GOOD VIBES
FROM GROWING UP ABROAD.
By Claudia Alarcón | Photography by Avery Nicole Photography
50 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022A AFTER LIVING IN THEIR TRADITIONAL, COLONIAL-
style home in Rob Roy for many years, the homeowners
decided it was time for a change. They always knew that
someday they would want to transform the home into a mod-
ern version of itself — the existing bones were good, but it
needed a makeover to suit their lifestyle and aesthetic. Ready
to turn their vision into reality, they engaged local architect
Katie Hastings and interior designer Ariel Bleich.
“When I first met the homeowner, she brought a stack of
magazine clippings,” says Bleich. “But they were not room
examples, just images she loved showing color, texture,
travel destinations and even food. She wanted her house to
convey a certain feeling, like the images did. They were ac-
tively engaged in the design, but deferred to Katie and me to
bring the vision to life.” The builders for the project were Jim
Behl and Ryan Brown, with Luxe Endeavors.
The homeowner grew up in Paris, France, and then
moved to Costa Rica where she met her husband, who had
spent his childhood living and exploring the beauty of Costa
Rica. “When we looked through her stack [of magazines],
we talked about creating a finish scheme that reminded her
of the places in which she had lived while also conveying
the feeling you’d have on a relaxing vacation. Connecting
the interior and exterior was a key part of the project, and
52 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022incorporates the way they live and entertain,” says Bleich.
Hastings worked with the structure, infusing a modern
character to the exterior with all new windows and railings,
a double steel column detail at the front balcony, a steel and
glass front door system and a master suite addition. The house
is about 4,500 square feet, of which 1,100 square feet were
added to the original building. It has four bedrooms and five
full bathrooms, a full kitchen, a secondary kitchen/laundry
area adjacent to the pool room, a TV room and a hidden office.
The back of the home wraps around a central courtyard
pool area, which allows the interior and exterior to blend
seamlessly. There are two large door systems that open to
the backyard making the spaces feel like one — one in the liv-
ing area and the other in the pool room, near the back entry
and second kitchenette.
Bleich maintained a neutral color palette in whites and
greys, adding touches of color and form with custom draper-
ies, area rugs and interesting light fixtures throughout the
house. “My favorite room in the house is the front living
room with the second fireplace,” says Bleich. “I love the light
in that room and the way you see the space when you walk in
the entryway. It’s an inviting room with its mix of colors, tex-
tures and furniture. It makes you feel like you’re on a sunny
vacation every day.”
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 | HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO 53The curvy light fixture from Y Lighting adds
a bit of sophistication, as does the female
sculpture that the homeowner found one
day while shopping. “She wanted to buy it as
soon as she saw the sculpture but was unsure
how it would fit into the new remodel,” says
Bleich. “Six months later, she went back and
decided it was meant to be since it was still
for sale. During the renovation, we made sure
to make it a feature in the living room.”
The bright, neutral kitchen boasts shaker-
style cabinets painted in White Flour from
Sherwin Williams®, while the island is coated
in PPG Tradewinds. Both have brass hard-
ware from Top Knobs and porcelain counter-
tops with a faux marble finish. The custom
floating shelves above the sink are white oak,
stained to match the bleached, 7-inch plank
flooring throughout the home. The Newport
Brass faucet ties into the cabinet fixtures.
A plaster vent hood above the range is
surrounded by white subway tile with a
handmade look to contrast with the stain-
less-steel appliances from Sub-Zero® and
Thermador®. Bleich added warm touches
with pendant lights from Restoration Hard-
ware, counter stools from Four Hands and a
vintage runner. The dining chandelier is the
Nula light purchased from Y Lighting.
54 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 | HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO 55
The master suite, which was added to the existing home, opens to the courtyard area and has views to the pool area. “They have a lovely shared master closet that spans the entire back wall behind the bed wall. It has a cozy built-in banquette in a cheerful patterned yellow fabric. I love how every corner of their house has a cheerful vibe, even in the closet!” says Bleich. The homeowner adds, “Every day I wake up to a heavenly space and truly enjoy every moment of it.” The beautiful chandelier is from Arteriors. The master bathroom truly invokes the relaxing feeling of a high-end spa, with floor and shower tiles from Mews collection by Stone Source. The white oak vanity was custom stained to match the overall house flooring, topped with a Caesar Stone® Frosty Carrina coun- tertop. The centerpiece bathtub is by Signature Hardware, with faucets, tub filler and shower plumbing fixtures in polished nickel from Kohler® Purist. Other custom details include the mirrors and drapery. Outside the master bath- room is a private garden accessible only through the sliding glass doors behind the freestanding tub. Hastings and Bleich fully understood the homeowners’ vision and created a home that exudes serenity and relaxation, a peaceful environment that is just as inviting to their guests as it is a retreat for their family. The homeowner sums it up, “The space conveys feelings of peace, comfort and beauty. It is gorgeous to see how everyone’s ideas all came together in harmony. If I were to build a home in France or Costa Rica in the future, I would love to involve Ariel and Katie again.” u ARIEL BLEICH DESIGN 512-739-3867 | www.ArielBleichDesign.com KATIE HASTINGS DESIGN LLC 512-653-2214 | www.KatieHastingsDesign.com LUXE ENDEAVORS 512-872-7559 | www.LuxeEndeavors.com 56 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022
CONCEPTUALLY
ECLECTIC
HOUSE BEAUTIFUL
HAS OUTDONE ITSELF
WITH THEIR
FOURTH ANNUAL
WHOLE HOME
CONCEPT HOUSE,
THIS TIME IN
THE IDYLLIC
TEXAS HILL COUNTRY.
By Kimberly A. Suta | Photography by Stephen Karlisch
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 | HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO 5960 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022
J
JUST FOUR YEARS AGO, HOUSE BEAUTIFUL, LED BY
market director Carisha Swanson, launched their Whole
Home Concept House project, which at first, may have
seemed outlandish, but has evolved into a visionary represen-
tation of what a dream home could and maybe should be.
The renowned publication tasks several elite designers
from around the country and one builder to create a home
that showcases the latest innovations while at the same time
being functional and obtainable.
For 2021, they chose a seasoned Central Texas builder,
Tyler O’Brien of Agave Custom Homes. Founded in 2009,
O’Brien focuses on building forever homes in the Texas Hill
Country, and designs and builds homes “as if I was going to
live in them myself.”
This project gave him the unique opportunity to work with
eight different all-star designers to create the most eclectic
yet comfortably luxurious home you may have ever seen.
To top it off, they have captured the team and each design-
er’s inspirations during the project on a brand-new renovation
series on YouTube called “Blank Slate,” which premiered on
September 28, 2021. The home was featured in the October/
November 125th Anniversary Issue of House Beautiful.
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 | HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO 61“THE MAIN REASON I TOOK ON THIS TASK WAS TO GAIN
KNOWLEDGE IN THE INDUSTRY AND LEARN FROM
OTHER DESIGNERS TO BECOME A BETTER BUILDER.”
— TYLER O’BRIEN
breezeway that leads to a guest wing
with two bedrooms. Additionally, the
covered terrace includes a decadent
outdoor shower and complete outdoor
kitchen, as well as a pool, just to name
the highlights.
THE DESIGN TEAM
INCLUDED:
LAURA HODGES of Laura Hodges
Studio in Baltimore designed an office-
workout room combo with soothing
greenery, wood-veneered wallpaper,
hemp rug and velvet cushions.
“The Whole Home is House Beautiful’s American home,
which has become a sanctuary, especially after COVID. EMILIE MUNROE of Studio Munroe in San Francisco de-
People live, work and play at home now, so everything was signed an entry way and living room that sported 20-foot-high
designed for the consumer, even the couch fabric is durable. vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass doors to the patio,
You can put your feet up on it with the dog and it still looks incorporating a dramatic wallcovering of a sunrise with colors
nice,” explains O’Brien. of sunny yellow, lavender and fuchsia replicated in the rest of
The fully furnished and uber decked out one-story the room’s furnishings.
home comes with a master suite, master bath and walk-in
closet, along with an open living room, kitchen and din- STEPHANIE SABBE of Sabbe Interior in Nashville tossed
ing floor plan, den, office nook, mudroom and a covered out the traditional kitchen island in her kitchen design in lieu
62 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022You can also read